This past week I was able to experience teaching in a completely new light. My host-teacher was unable to come in for the entire week due to illness, and the substitute that came in had just graduated college with her degree in physical education. She told me the first day that she was originally in elementary education but she decided that it would be way too much for her to handle on a daily basis. So, I told her that I would take over the classroom and ask for her to help with discipline, keeping the students focused and on track, and I would need her help with small group instruction during reading and math.
Although the substitute was a great help, in all honesty I feel that I was in charge and running the classroom from the moment the first student walked through the door in the morning until the last student walked out to go home on the bus. Now don't get me wrong, it was a very stressful week! But we also had no water to drink and could not wash our hands. So this was a whole new experience for the students. Also, there were several behavior issues that arose each day but as a whole class the students did a superb job. Due to this change in behavior, it made me realize that I am getting better with my classroom management skills. I know I still need to work on some areas of it, but so does every teacher, even if they have been teaching for 30+ years. Classroom management is something that is forever changing on a daily and yearly basis. It all depends on what kinds of students you have within your room.
This week, I also began to see myself grow as a teacher. I became more confident in my teaching and I felt as if the students began to see me as a teacher as well. At times it had felt as if the students saw me as an aid or a classroom helper, but now I feel that the students trust me and come to me for information and they look up to me as an educator. I also feel that I got to know the students even more this week. I graded their papers, interacted with them the entire day, and I feel as if the students began to open up and participate more because they too felt more comfortable with me instructing them.
So, all in all, despite the few stressful moments that I had endured this past week, it was by far one of the most eye opening and rewarding weeks I have had so far during my internship. It allowed me to see that when I do get a classroom of my own, I will survive! :) And that is a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders, because now I know that I can do it! And I will be able to make it on my own when that day arrives when I have my own students. Such a relief!! :)
